Skechers USA filed a lawsuit against Sears Holding Corporation for selling footwear that infringes on Skechers' Shape-ups by Skechers, Twinkle Toes by Skechers and Skechers Z-Strap lines. The suit alleges that Sears is selling the infringing products at its Sears and Kmart's banners under the TheraShoe, Melrose Avenue, Paris Blues and Athletech labels.


“Skechers has invested tremendous resources into designing, developing and marketing our Skechers Shape-ups, Twinkle Toes and Z-Strap product lines. We have obtained more than 150 patents and trademarks on these lines, and have built them into brand names universally recognized around the world as synonymous with Skechers,” stated Philip Paccione, general counsel of Skechers, in a statement. “While we value our relationship with Sears, their actions are causing us tremendous damage, and we simply cannot let any company, let alone a company the size of Sears, infringe on our most valuable intellectual property.”


The suit, filed in a U.S. District Court in California, seeks compensatory and punitive damages as well as injunctive relief for infringing on Skechers' patents, trademark, and trade dress rights, for dilution and for unfair competition.